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Gastroschisis is a birth defect in which the infant’s abdomen develops outside of the baby's body. Gastroschisis is typically diagnosed during pregnancy.
Once a diagnosis of gastroschisis is made, the fetus should be carefully monitored and the infant’s delivery and repair are planned. Because the bowels have grown outside of the infant's body they are unprotected. This condition is very rare, occurring in about 1 in every 2000 babies.
Great progress has been made in the treatment of abdominal wall defects allowing for a greater than 90% survival.
The cause is unknown but is not thought to be hereditary.
Surgery to repair gastroschisis is complex and should take place as soon as possible following the infant’s delivery to prevent damage to the intestines.
During surgery, the intestines are placed into the abdominal cavity. Sometimes, because there is not enough space in the abdomen for the intestine, the intestines are covered with a specialized plastic sheeting called a “silo” and slowly reduced back into the abdomen. Once the intestines are within the abdomen, the abdominal wall defect can be repaired surgically.
